A controversy has erupted in Kerala over the proposed local holiday for the historic Champakulam Moolam Boat Race after Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s remarks in the Assembly recently appeared to contradict his response on the floor of the House, prompting sharp criticism from the Opposition Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)].

The issue surfaced when United Democratic Front (UDF) MLA Reji Cheriyan, a member of the Kerala Congress, sought a local holiday in Kuttanad taluk for the annual boat race.

In his reply in the Assembly, Mr. Satheesan said the government would consider the request.

However, moments after answering the question and taking his seat, the Chief Minister was allegedly heard saying through an open microphone, “under no circumstances will it be granted.” The remark, captured on video, was circulated widely on social media by Left Democratic Front (LDF) legislators.

They shared the clip on Facebook with the comment, “This is the extent of his credibility,” alleging that the Chief Minister had taken two contradictory positions within seconds.

Mr. Cheriyan, however, said he remained hopeful that the government would ultimately declare a local holiday for the boat race.

Unaware, says Speaker

Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said he was unaware of the Chief Minister’s complete remarks as much of the interaction was off the record.

“I do not know what exactly the Chief Minister said. Except for the recorded portion where he read from the written text, the rest was off the record, so I am not aware of what was said,” he told reporters.

He added that such remarks would be out of character for the Chief Minister.

“The Chief Minister is generally a person who responds positively to everything. So I do not know how this issue arose or whether something was taken out of context. I do not know what exactly happened,” he said.

Kerala Congress’ response

The controversy has put the Kerala Congress, an important UDF ally, in a delicate position.

Water Resources Minister and senior party leader Mons Joseph declined to comment on what transpired inside the Assembly, saying discussions held in the House should not become the subject of public debate.

“If any examination is required, that can be done through the proper channels. Matters discussed in the Legislative Assembly should not be taken outside, as that is not a healthy parliamentary practice,” he said.

Mr. Joseph added that the issue had been brought to his notice by Mr. Cheriyan and that he would discuss it with Mr. Satheesan. He also said any allegation of impropriety should be examined in accordance with established parliamentary procedures.

Meanwhile, organisers of the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race expressed disappointment over the developments, saying the Chief Minister’s remarks had caused concern among people in Kuttanad.

They appealed to the government to recognise the cultural importance of the centuries-old event and declare a local holiday.

The festival

The organisers said preparations for Monday’s race had entered the final stage, with traditional temple rituals scheduled to begin on the morning of June 29.

Fifteen boats, including the iconic snake boats, are expected to participate, with teams from the Champions Boat League also taking part.

The organisers said they remained optimistic that the government would take a favourable decision before the event, marking the beginning of boat race season in Kerala.

‘Contradictory positions’

The political row intensified after CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan accused Mr. Satheesan of displaying a pattern of contradictory positions.

He alleged that the chief minister’s conduct reflected his “true political character” and linked it to other contentious issues handled by the government.

CPI(M) MLA K.U. Jenish Kumar accused Mr. Satheesan of misleading the Legislative Assembly.

In a social media post, he argued that publicly saying the holiday request would be considered while privately indicating it would never be granted amounted to a serious breach of legislative norms and public trust.

The CPI(M) legislator also invoked historical precedents, referring to former Chief Minister K. Karunakaran and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and said misleading the legislature undermines democratic institutions.

“The minimum standard in politics is honesty towards both the people and the Legislature,” Mr. Kumar said, adding that “microphones left on in the House often expose those who attempt to deceive elected representatives and the public.”